Before taking my first cruise two months ago with Carnival Spirit to Mexico with our daughter, I had never considered cruising as a vacation option.
The adrenaline and zen of travel for me was backpacking through Africa for five months or swinging in hammocks on Thai beaches. I had the misconception, like so many do, that cruising would be too controlled and full of uncontrolled spring breakers partying wildly, or retirees crowding the open air space playing bingo or taking naps.
Carnival Spirit Cruise
Our time on The Spirit hooked me into the fun that can be had cruising as a couple. There is plenty of zen, plenty of adventure, plenty of romance AND the opportunity to visit foreign and exotic countries. Here’s a sneak preview of what to expect.
Zen
serenity deck
Looking for a quiet space for relaxation?
Serenity Deck: The ultimate place to find your Zen is this child-free retreat. 270-degree views of the ocean from sofas, lounges, hammocks, the spa or the pool on the open deck.
Pools and Spas: Three pools and four heated spas. There’s nothing more to say except grab yourself a good book and a cocktail and zone out.
Day Spa: Treat yourself both to some relaxation and pampering therapy in the Day Spa. Why not sweat out all the stress in the sauna and steam room and then have a couples massage? For me, the bamboo massage was hands down one of the best massages I’ve ever had. (Tip: Look out for daily specials in the Day Spa, and on the first day they usually have discounted packages and prizes.)
Romantic Sunset Walk: Stroll around the ship, hold hands and cuddle as you watch a beautiful sunset at sea and give thanks for a wonderful day.
Food/Drink
Empire Restaurant food
There are four restaurants on board the Carnival Spirit, serving meals round the clock. The food is nothing short of amazing, and apart from the Noveau Restaurant, all of it is included in your cruising package.
La Playa Restaurant: Casual dining with international cuisines from eight food stations. Good for those times when you just want a quick meal.
Empire Restaurant: Fine dining experience, and for me, the only place I wanted to dine for every meal. There are set and open dining times; I recommend the open for that added flexibility. The three-course a la carte meals are outstanding and the service is friendly and fun.
Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ: Backyard-and-beach-BBQ delights such as Aussie snags and grilled chicken breast.
Noveau Restaurant: Perfect for that romantic candlelit dinner under the stars. The extra $35 per person to dine at this spectacular two-level restaurant located within the glass-covered funnel is worth it. That covers a three-course meal offering the finest steaks and seafood with first-class service and a superb wine list to match.
Room Service: Room service is available 24/7. Choose one morning to order in breakfast and sit on your private balcony as you enjoy quiet conversation, the sounds of the ocean. If you are lucky, like many on our cruise, you will see whales and dolphins swimming by.
Bars: There is a cocktail of the day every day. Check the drink specials to save on alcohol costs.
chocolate extravaganza
Chocolate Extravaganza Heaven for chocolate lovers. There will be one day on-board the ship where you can eat as much chocolate you like in all different shapes and sizes.
Chef’s Table This is a worthwhile tour and will cost you an extra $75 per person. However, the head chef will take you on a tour through the galleys and explain the ins and outs of preparing food for thousands of people each day. At the end of it you will join the chef for a degustation meal, with wine included. Foodies will die to experience this. I’m not a foodie and I loved it.
Adrenaline
The Green Thunder
It’s not all pampering and book-nooks on-board; there are plenty of activities to get your blood pumping.
The Green Thunder: The fastest and steepest waterslide at sea. Be prepared to lose your breath as the floor drops out from underneath you and you whip out over the ocean in the green tube at 40 miles per hour.
Off-shore Excursions: There will be a wide variety of off-shore excursions for you to choose from, depending on your ports of call and interests. We went 4WD-driving through deserts and along the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. (There are lots of zen activities as well.) Tip: Research your ports of call before you board The Spirit. You will be able to book similar activities once on land for a much cheaper price through local agencies. You may also be content with exploring on your own.
Fitness: Keep the adrenaline pumping and all those extra calories off by hitting the fitness centre with state of the art equipment and classes galore.
Tip: Rise with the birds and run around the open top deck of the ship. The 400-metre running track gives you 360-degree views of the ocean and the rising sun. A magical way to start your cruising day.
Superstar Live: Be brave and become a superstar for five minutes. Sing on stage with a live band at the evening karaoke show.
Entertainment
cheers!
It’s hard not to be entertained with 16 bars and lounges filled with live music, Vegas style shows, professional comedians, and a free-spirited vibe. They are all included in the price of your cruise, which just adds to the value of your cruising vacation experience. Check the schedule daily and plan to sing, dance and laugh every evening.
Piano Bar and Cool Club Jazz Bar: The perfect start to a romantic date night. If you’re feeling adventurous enough you could end the evening by getting your groove on in the nightclub.
Stu’s Ultimate Dance Party: This is one party on the Top Deck you don’t want to miss. Let down your hair and have fun with your fellow cruisers. Don’t worry, Stu will lead the way.
Other Tips:
Beautiful sunsets
There are over 40 activities a day, including bartender programs, cooking demonstrations, dodge ball competitions and seminars/conferences.
Take some shopping money with you, not just for your ports of call, but for duty-free shopping on board. It’s amazing the bargains you will find on board the ship, and alcohol is really cheap.
Balcony staterooms offer the best value in order to have private space to unwind with views. There are also deluxe suites available. Check for any upgrade specials when booking.
—-
Well, I don’t know about you, but after writing this article, I am ready to call in the babysitter and book my husband and I for a week-long couples retreat on the Carnival Spirit. Note that after this fall, the Carnival Spirit will be based in Sydney, making it the perfect companion for a trip down under.
The adrenaline and zen of travel for me was backpacking through Africa for five months or swinging in hammocks on Thai beaches. I had the misconception, like so many do, that cruising would be too controlled and full of uncontrolled spring breakers partying wildly, or retirees crowding the open air space playing bingo or taking naps.
Carnival Spirit Cruise
Our time on The Spirit hooked me into the fun that can be had cruising as a couple. There is plenty of zen, plenty of adventure, plenty of romance AND the opportunity to visit foreign and exotic countries. Here’s a sneak preview of what to expect.
Zen
serenity deck
Looking for a quiet space for relaxation?
Serenity Deck: The ultimate place to find your Zen is this child-free retreat. 270-degree views of the ocean from sofas, lounges, hammocks, the spa or the pool on the open deck.
Pools and Spas: Three pools and four heated spas. There’s nothing more to say except grab yourself a good book and a cocktail and zone out.
Day Spa: Treat yourself both to some relaxation and pampering therapy in the Day Spa. Why not sweat out all the stress in the sauna and steam room and then have a couples massage? For me, the bamboo massage was hands down one of the best massages I’ve ever had. (Tip: Look out for daily specials in the Day Spa, and on the first day they usually have discounted packages and prizes.)
Romantic Sunset Walk: Stroll around the ship, hold hands and cuddle as you watch a beautiful sunset at sea and give thanks for a wonderful day.
Food/Drink
Empire Restaurant food
There are four restaurants on board the Carnival Spirit, serving meals round the clock. The food is nothing short of amazing, and apart from the Noveau Restaurant, all of it is included in your cruising package.
La Playa Restaurant: Casual dining with international cuisines from eight food stations. Good for those times when you just want a quick meal.
Empire Restaurant: Fine dining experience, and for me, the only place I wanted to dine for every meal. There are set and open dining times; I recommend the open for that added flexibility. The three-course a la carte meals are outstanding and the service is friendly and fun.
Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ: Backyard-and-beach-BBQ delights such as Aussie snags and grilled chicken breast.
Noveau Restaurant: Perfect for that romantic candlelit dinner under the stars. The extra $35 per person to dine at this spectacular two-level restaurant located within the glass-covered funnel is worth it. That covers a three-course meal offering the finest steaks and seafood with first-class service and a superb wine list to match.
Room Service: Room service is available 24/7. Choose one morning to order in breakfast and sit on your private balcony as you enjoy quiet conversation, the sounds of the ocean. If you are lucky, like many on our cruise, you will see whales and dolphins swimming by.
Bars: There is a cocktail of the day every day. Check the drink specials to save on alcohol costs.
chocolate extravaganza
Chocolate Extravaganza Heaven for chocolate lovers. There will be one day on-board the ship where you can eat as much chocolate you like in all different shapes and sizes.
Chef’s Table This is a worthwhile tour and will cost you an extra $75 per person. However, the head chef will take you on a tour through the galleys and explain the ins and outs of preparing food for thousands of people each day. At the end of it you will join the chef for a degustation meal, with wine included. Foodies will die to experience this. I’m not a foodie and I loved it.
Adrenaline
The Green Thunder
It’s not all pampering and book-nooks on-board; there are plenty of activities to get your blood pumping.
The Green Thunder: The fastest and steepest waterslide at sea. Be prepared to lose your breath as the floor drops out from underneath you and you whip out over the ocean in the green tube at 40 miles per hour.
Off-shore Excursions: There will be a wide variety of off-shore excursions for you to choose from, depending on your ports of call and interests. We went 4WD-driving through deserts and along the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. (There are lots of zen activities as well.) Tip: Research your ports of call before you board The Spirit. You will be able to book similar activities once on land for a much cheaper price through local agencies. You may also be content with exploring on your own.
Fitness: Keep the adrenaline pumping and all those extra calories off by hitting the fitness centre with state of the art equipment and classes galore.
Tip: Rise with the birds and run around the open top deck of the ship. The 400-metre running track gives you 360-degree views of the ocean and the rising sun. A magical way to start your cruising day.
Superstar Live: Be brave and become a superstar for five minutes. Sing on stage with a live band at the evening karaoke show.
Entertainment
cheers!
It’s hard not to be entertained with 16 bars and lounges filled with live music, Vegas style shows, professional comedians, and a free-spirited vibe. They are all included in the price of your cruise, which just adds to the value of your cruising vacation experience. Check the schedule daily and plan to sing, dance and laugh every evening.
Piano Bar and Cool Club Jazz Bar: The perfect start to a romantic date night. If you’re feeling adventurous enough you could end the evening by getting your groove on in the nightclub.
Stu’s Ultimate Dance Party: This is one party on the Top Deck you don’t want to miss. Let down your hair and have fun with your fellow cruisers. Don’t worry, Stu will lead the way.
Other Tips:
Beautiful sunsets
There are over 40 activities a day, including bartender programs, cooking demonstrations, dodge ball competitions and seminars/conferences.
Take some shopping money with you, not just for your ports of call, but for duty-free shopping on board. It’s amazing the bargains you will find on board the ship, and alcohol is really cheap.
Balcony staterooms offer the best value in order to have private space to unwind with views. There are also deluxe suites available. Check for any upgrade specials when booking.
—-
Well, I don’t know about you, but after writing this article, I am ready to call in the babysitter and book my husband and I for a week-long couples retreat on the Carnival Spirit. Note that after this fall, the Carnival Spirit will be based in Sydney, making it the perfect companion for a trip down under.